Worlds In Motion has an interesting story up today about Virtual Greats, a new company being launched by Millions of Us, an ad agency that deals with corporate and product branding inside virtual worlds.

Virtual Greats is one of those concepts that will either be a dismal failure, or the type of concept that will see the cries of “Why didn’t I think of that!?!” overshadowed only by the sound of the “Me too!” stampede. From the original story in Variety:

Virtual Greats said it eventually plans to offer its digital goods across 60 virtual worlds and social media platforms, with the company handling the financial and technical elements of each sale. Revenue is split between Virtual Goods, the copyright holder and the distribution partner.

Company has initially brokered a deal with virtual world Gaia Online, which has more than 5 million members made up of mostly teens that visit the site per month.

On the surface, this looks like ringtones for virtual worlds. The plan, according to Millions of Us CEO Reuben Steiger, is to sell custom avatars, moves, catchphrases, hairstyles and clothing licensed from various properties and celebrities (among other things)…and they’ve already started amassing their list of deals.

Elvis Presley Enterprises. Snoop Dogg. Paris Hilton. Raven Simone. Tila Tequila. Marvel’s The Incredible Hul…wait. Did that say “Paris Hilton“?

Wouldn’t that be a virus risk? (Thank you, thank you…the cheap jokes are the most fun.)

Seriously, I see this targeting the same market that spent over $500 million in 2007 in the United States alone on ringtones, only instead of letting you get something from your favorite artist for your phone, you can get something from your favorite artist, actor or property for your in-world life.

However, one thing I find myself wondering…60 virtual worlds and social media platforms? They have so far dealt mainly with four…Gaia Online, Second Life, Zwinky and Habbo Hotel; admittedly all potential money machines for this kind of thing, but where are the other 54 or so worlds going to come from?

If I’m in EQII and your dark elf says “That’s hot!” while looking like Paris Hilton…you’re going on the gank list. Of course, the possibility of a flying penis in Second Life singing Elvis’ “Love Me Tender” might offset that risk.

Or not, now that I think about it.

Definitely a company (and concept) to watch.

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Tags: Gaia Online, games, gaming, mmo, mmorpg, Second Life, Virtual Worlds, zwinky